Phyllis Irene Dees

Phyllis Hartley Dees, 91, of Williamsburg, Virginia (formerly of Waltonville, Illinois) was called home to be with the Lord at 10:29 pm on Tuesday, January 27, 2026. She was born on July 30, 1934 to the late Floyd and Helen (Short) Hartley, and survived by brother, Billy Joe (Brenda) Hartley of West Frankfort, Illinois. She was preceded in death by her husband, Leroy Dees of Valier, Illinois. Phyllis was previously married to Max Graham, a union which resulted in four children.

Phyllis was a devoted mother who loved unconditionally and faithfully lifted her children in prayer. She was preceded in death by son, Max Alan Graham of Sesser, Illinois. She is lovingly remembered by her children Debbie (David) McGovern of Williamsburg, Virginia; Ron (Deborah) Graham of Richmond, Virginia; Susan (Howard) Richardson of Worden, Illinois; Joyce (Plasters) Graham of Sesser, Illinois; and niece, Monica (Donnie) Stewart of West Frankfort, Illinois.

Family defined the core of who she was. Her life was deeply enriched by her grandchildren: Jeremy McGovern, Faith (Ryan) Anderson, Luke McGovern, Wesley (Heather) Graham, Melissa Lueke, James (Whitney) Graham, Elizabeth (Jordan) McCreery, Megan (Jonathan) Turman, Nick (Ashley) Richardson, Rachel (Josh) Ridley-Smith, Jonathan (Taylor) Graham and Benjamin (Charlene) Graham; as well as 24 cherished great grandchildren.

Phyllis was blessed to have a large, loving family, which included stepchildren as well as numerous nieces and nephews whom she deeply loved.

Phyllis was a devoted Christian and member of the Free Will Baptist Church. She enjoyed traveling and was an avid reader. Her warm and endearing spirit will be missed by all who knew her.

A Visitation will be held February 14, 2026 from 1:00 to 2:00 pm at Newell Funeral Home in Waltonville, Illinois. A Celebration of Life will follow at 2:00 pm, with interment at Maple Hill Cemetery in Sesser, Illinois. Memorials may be made in Phyllis' honor to the American Diabetes Association.

Call Newell Funeral Home at 618-279-7272 or visit newellfuneralhome.com for further information.